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Looking inside a Soviet Cosmonaut’s Survival Kit

In the 1960s, when delivered the message they will be sent on a mission to explore space, Russia’s cosmonauts understood what they signed up for. And as honorable as it is, they knew that they had to prepare to deal with the challenges of space travel.

Thus, they put together a cosmonaut survival kit — and a highly impressive one. So, if you want to pack up a top-notch survival kit of your own, you should know the details of these cosmonauts’ survival kits.

The Purpose of the Survival Kit

Beyond dealing with the tough conditions of space travel, the cosmonauts took the initiative to prepare. In the event that an emergency crash landing in unfamiliar territories is incoming, these cosmonauts need not panic. These survival kits will serve as their go-to equipment.

The survival kits are meant to provide the most useful gears in one place. With these kits, the cosmonauts can survive in unknown lands by being able to feed and shelter themselves accordingly. Because they will enter zones with unpredictable possibilities, having these kits in place can increase their confidence. They can also be bolder regarding their ability to handle candid events.

Moreover, the contents of these kits are used to complement a cosmonaut’s combat skills. While he may have undergone years of training, having equipment is still advantageous for defense. Should he be attacked unexpectedly, his odds of winning that attack are high.

The Original Contents

The original contents of a cosmonaut’s survival kit are as follows:

Wrist compass

Machete

Makarov pistol & ammunition

Fishing kit

Waterproof matches (18 pcs.) with striker

Fire starters (8 pcs.)

PSND handheld flares (3 pcs.)

Wool gloves (3-pair)

Priboy 2S batteries (2 pcs.)

Wool balaclava hoods (3 pcs.)

Flare set (15mm)

Sewing kit

Whistle

Wire saw

Antenna

Strobe light (includes spare battery)

Insect Repellent

Penlight

Folding knife

Rations

Water containers (2L)

Signal mirror

R-855 A1 or R-855 YM radio

Medical kit (NAZ-7M type)

The Later Version

And while its original version is already impressive, a cosmonaut’s survival kit has been re-vamped. It was expanded so it could include fur-lined boots, improved cold suits, and fishing tackle.

It also made room for the winning Soviet TP-82, which is a combination gun paired with a machete (detachable). This gun’s versatility is a practical solution due to its dual purpose.

And not only is it because of its versatile, the gun is also a hit because it is easy-to-carry. More importantly, this equipment allows a cosmonaut to go out to hunt and fire distress beacons.